Hexagon BRAVO HP High-Performance Horizontal Arm Coordinate Measuring Machine
| Brand | Hexagon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | BRAVO HP |
| Configuration | Horizontal Cantilever Type |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Measurement Principle | Contact-Based (with optional non-contact laser scanning) |
| Measurement Range (X×Y×Z) | 4000–9000 × 1600 × 2100–3000 mm |
| Standard Operating Temperature | 16–32 °C |
| Compliance | Designed for automotive production environments |
| Application Focus | Automotive body-in-white (BIW), stamping, fixture validation, pre-series & series production metrology |
| Structural Architecture | Ground-level installed, open-frame cantilever design with thermally compensated granite or steel base |
| Optional Sensors | HH-ACW-43MW infinite-rotation probe head, HH-A automatic indexing probe head, HP-L series laser line scanners |
| Thermal Compensation | CLIMA dynamic structural compensation + Active real-time multi-sensor temperature correction |
| Probe Change System | Automatic tool changer (ATC) compatible |
| Mechanical Drive | Recirculating ball bearing transmission (pneumatic-free) |
| Z-Axis Cross-Section | 80 × 100 mm |
| Collision Protection | Pre-configured mechanical and software-based safeguards |
| Environmental Tolerance | Up to 1.5 °C/h vertical gradient, 1 °C/m horizontal gradient, 3 °C/24 h drift |
| Accuracy Base Specification | Starting from E0 = 14 µm (per ISO 10360-2, calibrated at 20 °C ± 0.5 °C reference condition) |
Overview
The Hexagon BRAVO HP is a high-performance horizontal arm coordinate measuring machine (CMM) engineered for demanding dimensional metrology in industrial production environments—particularly within automotive manufacturing. Unlike traditional bridge or gantry CMMs, the BRAVO HP employs a cantilevered horizontal arm architecture mounted at floor level, enabling seamless integration into assembly lines, press shops, and body shops without requiring dedicated metrology rooms. Its core measurement principle relies on high-resolution tactile probing using kinematically stable probe systems, augmented by optional non-contact HP-L series laser line scanners for high-speed surface digitization. The system is fundamentally designed around operational robustness under variable thermal conditions: it does not require climate-controlled rooms, instead leveraging Hexagon’s proprietary CLIMA structural thermal modeling and Active real-time sensor network compensation to maintain traceable accuracy across ambient temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 32 °C. This makes the BRAVO HP uniquely suited for in-process inspection, fixture verification, and full-body dimensional analysis of stamped parts, sub-assemblies, and complete BIW structures.
Key Features
- Horizontal cantilever design with ground-level installation—minimizes footprint and enables direct integration into production flow.
- Thermally adaptive architecture: CLIMA algorithm models thermal expansion and structural deformation based on material properties and geometry; Active mode adds real-time correction using distributed temperature sensors on the frame and workpiece.
- High-rigidity X-axis base constructed from stabilized steel or granite, preserving geometric stability over time and resisting long-term creep or vibration-induced drift.
- Fully automated probe handling with HH-ACW-43MW infinite-rotation head and HH-A indexing head—supporting both contact styli and HP-L laser scanners.
- Pneumatic-free motion system utilizing recirculating ball bearings for reliable, low-maintenance operation in shop-floor settings.
- Z-axis with 80 × 100 mm cross-section, pre-engineered for optional collision protection modules and extended stylus configurations.
- Full enclosure options available to further stabilize local thermal microenvironments without full-room HVAC investment.
- Continuous path motion control optimized for laser scanning trajectories—enabling efficient acquisition of complex freeform surfaces.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BRAVO HP accommodates large-scale automotive components including door panels, roof frames, side sills, and complete BIW assemblies. Its modular travel range—from 4000 × 1600 × 2100 mm up to 9000 × 1600 × 3000 mm—ensures scalability across vehicle platforms. The system complies with international metrological standards including ISO 10360-2 (CMM performance verification), VDI/VDE 2617 Parts 2 and 9 (accuracy testing for articulated arms and laser scanners), and supports GD&T evaluation per ASME Y14.5–2018 and ISO 1101. All calibration certificates are issued traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST). Data integrity meets audit requirements for IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems. While not inherently FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, the PC-DMIS software platform supports configurable electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls when deployed in regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
The BRAVO HP operates exclusively with Hexagon’s PC-DMIS metrology software—a fully integrated solution supporting offline programming, simulation, and statistical process control (SPC) reporting. PC-DMIS provides native support for GD&T callouts, best-fit alignments, and iterative least-squares fitting algorithms compliant with ISO 1101. For laser scanning applications, the software includes advanced point-cloud registration, curvature analysis, and deviation mapping tools. All measurement programs generate timestamped XML-based reports with embedded uncertainty budgets. Raw data files (.dxf, .iges, .stl, .xyz) and inspection results (.csv, .pdf) are exportable via secure FTP or network share. Optional modules include PC-DMIS Enterprise for centralized program management, PC-DMIS SPC for real-time capability analysis, and PC-DMIS AutoRun for unattended batch inspections synchronized with MES systems.
Applications
Primary deployment contexts include: first-article inspection of stamped dies and fixtures; dimensional validation of welded BIW assemblies prior to paint; tolerance stack-up analysis during pre-series builds; supplier part acceptance testing; and long-term trend monitoring of tool wear across production lifecycles. In OEM facilities such as Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Honda, and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), the BRAVO HP serves as the backbone for flexible, high-throughput dimensional gateways between press lines and body shops. Its ability to perform both tactile feature inspection and laser-based surface characterization allows users to consolidate multiple metrology steps—reducing cycle time while maintaining measurement traceability across diverse geometries and material finishes.
FAQ
What is the minimum guaranteed volumetric accuracy specification for the BRAVO HP?
The base volumetric length measurement error (E0) starts from 14 µm per ISO 10360-2, verified under controlled reference conditions (20 °C ± 0.5 °C, humidity < 60 % RH). Actual in-situ performance depends on environmental stability and calibration frequency.
Can the BRAVO HP operate without a temperature-controlled room?
Yes—the system is explicitly engineered for shop-floor deployment. With CLIMA and Active compensation enabled, it maintains certified accuracy across 16–32 °C ambient, subject to specified thermal gradients.
Is laser scanning supported natively?
Yes—HP-L series laser line scanners integrate seamlessly via the HH-ACW-43MW probe head and are fully supported within PC-DMIS for both point-cloud capture and real-time surface deviation analysis.
Does the BRAVO HP support automated probe changing during measurement cycles?
Yes—equipped with an automatic tool changer (ATC), the system dynamically selects optimal probes and styli configurations mid-program based on feature geometry and accessibility requirements.
What foundation requirements apply for floor-level installation?
A reinforced concrete slab with minimum thickness of 300 mm and vibration isolation pads is recommended. Detailed foundation drawings and leveling specifications are provided in the site preparation manual prior to delivery.
